Show All Answers

1. Why are Permits required before projects work?

Permits are required before work is started in order to give the inspection personnel an opportunity to review the plans and correct any inconsistencies with the city codes before the work is started. Correcting errors after the work is completed is much more costly then correcting them on the proposed plans. Visit our Inspections and Zoning Information page for more information. For information about applying for a permit, please visit the Building Department Forms page.

2. Why are City Codes Necessary?

Governmental regulation of building construction, maintenance and use is a natural consequence arising from centuries of experience in all civilized lands, of tragedies brought about by fire, collapse and panic. Read more about codes compliance benefits on our Code Enforcement page.

3. Why are inspections necessary?

The inspection of work regulated by the codes is necessary to give the city an opportunity to assure that the work, when completed:

• Is built according to the plans approved when the permit application was made.
• Utilizes materials and equipment of approved quality.
• Meets minimum acceptable standards of construction.

Visit our Inspections & Zoning page for more information.

4. Where did codes come from?

The regulations of building and construction through codes is not a new idea. Historians have found regulations of building construction as far back as the Babylonian Empire of Hammurabi, about 1700 B.C. through Nero's Rome and into 12th century Europe, in England in the 1600's and in America, as soon as urban life indicated the need. Read through the city Code of Ordinances online.